New York City’s biodiesel fleet law praised

A new law has been passed in New York City new law for a 5% blend of biodiesel to be used in the city’s vehicle fleet beginning next year.

The new law comes into effect 1 July 2014 plus the city will also launch a pilot programme prior to 1 December 2016 to study year round usage of B20 with no fewer than 5% of its fleet.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed the legislation into law and the measure, introduced by councilman Jim Gennaro, codifies the city’s existing use of biodiesel blends in the city’s fleet of approximately 6,000 vehicles.

‘New York City has been, and will continue to be, a champion of biodiesel usage,’ says Renewable Energy Group’s CEO Daniel Oh. ‘This law ensures that legacy of support will continue so that New Yorkers can enjoy the benefits of cleaner air and a healthier environment that biodiesel brings, while diversifying our energy sources and strengthening food supply.’

In addition to the new fleet law, the city has had a B2 biodiesel requirement for home heating oil in effect since last year, plus the city’s Parks and Recreation Department has been using B5 for the last two years and began using B20 this year during warmer months.